The Best Foods For Energy

Salmon is a proven fatigue-fighting superfood. It's loaded with healthy fats: anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that improve heart health,reduce depressive symptoms and improve brain function. These nutrients support and even improve metabolism, resulting in the more efficient use of oxygen during exercise. The American Heart Association recommends having fatty fish like salmon at least twice a week.

In the US, you may have to go to a specialty grocery or health food store to find this tart, antioxidant-filled fruit, but in many areas of Europe and Asia they're not so rare. Goji berries have been used for 5000 years in Chinese medicine to stimulate energy and mental acuity and lower stress. They're believed to increase bloodflow causing energy-enhancing oxygen to flow more freely in the body. Goji's can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried like raisins.

Believe the hype! Kale has become the poster child of superfoods in the past few years, but the leafy green's 15 minutes of fame aren't going anywhere fast. Kale packs in more flavonoids (energy boosting antioxidants) per bite than most of its cruciferous competition. And it's versatile - it's great roasted as chips, served raw in salads, sautéed with collard greens or juiced.

Not only is turkey low in fat and a good source of protein, it's high in the amino-acid tyrosine. Tyrosine elevates levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that keep you more alert and focused. It also contains vitamins B6 and B12, which have been shown to ease insomnia and boost energy.

In addition to delivering impressive amounts of protein, calcium, potassium phosphorous and Vitamin E, almonds have among the highest magnesium levels of all the nuts. Magnesium plays a key role in converting sugar into energy. Even mildly low levels of magnesium can create sleep problems, leg cramps, and draining fatigue.

These legumes are a powerhouse source of energy boosting iron, potassium and zinc. Lentils are also particularly rich in selenium, a mineral that may be a natural mood enhancer; studies how linked low selenium levels to poorer mood and less energy.

A source of healthy fats, avocados are full of fiber, (which helps control appetite), potassium and vitamins A, E and folate. They're also high in a nutrient called alpha-linoleic acid which improves heart health and lowers inflammatory markers in the blood, like homocysteine. Homocysteine is often elevated in fatigue-causing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Oats are widely considered the most energizing grain, bursting with fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, and other minerals. They're best eaten at breakfast, because the fiber they contain is digested slowly, which stabilizes blood sugar levels throughout the day, and keeps your energy on an even keel. If you're not a fan of oatmeal (I confess, I'm not), you can sprinkle oats on top of cold cereal or sneak them into a bowl of yogurt a fruit.

Food represents so many different things in our daily lives – It can be a source of pleasure, a way to express love, a conduit for social connections, and more. Because it plays so many roles, it’s easy to overlook food’s essential purpose – as a source of fuel for our bodies and minds. The higher quality fuel we burn, the better we feel, and that’s where superfoods come in.

You’ve probably heard the term superfood, but have you ever wondered what makes a food super? It’s all about efficiency: Superfoods not only pack more nutritional punch per bite than other foods, they also have properties that directly support the immune system, cut down on inflammation in the body, support mental health, boost stamina, longevity and most directly, energy.

For an energizing quick-fix, I recommend including one superfood in every meal or snack you eat for a week. The premium fuel will have you revving your engines from morning to night. Click through above for some of my favorites.